SCENE II.
Corioli. The Senate-House.
Enter Tullius Aufidius, and certain Senators.
1 Sen.
So, your opinion is, Aufidius,
That they of Rome are enter'd in our counsels,
And know how we proceed.
Auf.
Is it not yours?
What ever have been thought on6 note
in this state,
That could be brought to bodily act ere Rome
Had circumvention? 'Tis not four days gone7 note,
Since I heard thence; these are the words: I think,
I have the letter here; yes, here it is:
[Reads.
They have press'd a power8 note
, but it is not known
-- 25 --
Whether for east, or west: The dearth is great;
The people mutinous: and it is rumour'd,
Cominius, Marcius your old enemy,
(Who is of Rome worse hated than of you,)
And Titus Lartius, a most valiant Roman,
These three lead on this preparation
Whither 'tis bent: most likely, 'tis for you:
Consider of it.
1 Sen.
Our army's in the field:
We never yet made doubt but Rome was ready
To answer us.
Auf.
Nor did you think it folly,
To keep your great pretences veil'd, till when
They needs must show themselves; which in the hatching,
It seem'd, appear'd to Rome. By the discovery,
We shall be shorten'd in our aim; which was,
To take in many towns9 note
, ere, almost, Rome
Should know we were afoot.
2 Sen.
Noble Aufidius,
Take your commission; hie you to your bands:
Let us alone to guard Corioli:
-- 26 --
If they set down before us, for the remove
Bring up your army1 note
; but, I think, you'll find
They have not prepar'd for us.
Auf.
O, doubt not that;
I speak from certainties. Nay, more2 note
.
Some parcels of their powers are forth already,
And only hitherward. I leave your honours.
If we and Caius Marcius chance to meet,
'Tis sworn between us, we shall never strike
Till one can do no more.
All.
The gods assist you!
Auf.
And keep your honours safe!
1 Sen.
Farewell.
2 Sen.
Farewell.
All.
Farewell.
[Exeunt.
James Boswell [1821], The plays and poems of William Shakspeare, with the corrections and illustrations of various commentators: comprehending A Life of the Poet, and an enlarged history of the stage, by the late Edmond Malone. With a new glossarial index (J. Deighton and Sons, Cambridge) [word count] [S10201].
